tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:blogdestructoidhttp://bulk2.destructoid.com/ele2/images/destructoid/favicon.ico2008-06-11T14:48:48Ztag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=900488BitBrianhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/8BitBrianBargain Bin Laden #38: Thrasher: Skate and Destroy2008-06-11T14:48:48Z2008-06-11T14:48:48Z<div width="468" height="391"><div name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7lGzwU0w8vM&amp;hl=en"></div><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" width="468" height="385"><param name="width" value="468" /><param name="height" value="385" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7lGzwU0w8vM&amp;hl=en" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="468" height="385" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7lGzwU0w8vM&amp;hl=en"></embed></object></div><p>In the collective consciousness of skateboarding games, <i>Tony Hawk </i>has been the only one to hold the throne. There was never a rivalry, like with 2K Sports and EA Games. Challengers came and went, sure, but for the most part, they never got past their debut title. They were swallowed up by the giant wave that Mr. Hawk created.</p><p><i>Thrasher: Skate and Destroy</i> was one of those games, but it was significantly different from <i>Tony Hawk's Pro Skater</i>. Not in a bad way, like <i>Street Sk8r </i>was, but it offered a fundamentally different experience. It was more realistic, down to earth, and had you running from the cops. </p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-38-thrasher-skate-and-destroy-90048.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=70720Jim Sterlinghttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jim+SterlingBargain Bin Laden #37: Second Sight2008-02-17T11:24:00Z2008-02-17T11:24:00Z<p>Psychic power in videogames was an idea that had not been fully explored by 2004, and still hasn't been fully whored out, strangely enough. It was a complete and utter shame then, that by some cruel stroke of dastardly coincidence, we ended up with not one, but two games themed around telekinesis, possession and all manner of mind-over-matter shenanigans: Midway's <i>Psi-Ops</i>, and Free Radical's <i>Second Sight.</i></p><p>It wasn't just that they were both psychic-powered games. Both were third person action titles, both featured gunplay along with mental abilities, and they even both had bald-headed protagonists. It was clear that one of the games would slip into obscurity while another became better known. Sadly, the day went to <i>Psi-Ops</i>, while the game I still maintain is superior, <i>Second Sight</i>, is barely remembered.</p><p>Well no longer! <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant/index.phtml?t=Bargain+Bin+Laden" target="_blank">Bargain Bin Laden</a> is dedicated to finding you the best bang for a meager buck, and <i>Second Sight </i>is one of those titles that deserve an instant buy if discovered, dusty and discarded, in some used game store. It actually deserves more than that, but we take what we can get.</p><p>Hit the jump as Bargain Bin Laden showcases the excellent<i> Second Sight</i>.&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/70720-bbl37.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #37: Second Sight screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-37-second-sight-70720.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=69143Jim Sterlinghttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jim+SterlingBargain Bin Laden #36: Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening2008-02-07T21:31:54Z2008-02-07T21:31:54Z<p>With <i>Devil May Cry 4 </i>hitting American shelves this past Tuesday, and leaping proudly into the hands of Europeans tomorrow, I thought it was high time we featured some of Dante's exploits in Bargain Bin Laden. I know, I know, you're all too busy playing <i>DMC4</i> to care about the past, but when you've slayed&nbsp; your last demon on the PS3/360 and need somewhere to turn, you'll all come crawling back. </p><p>The first<i> Devil May Cry</i> was a revolution in the action genre, a game that played as good as it looked, made even novice button mashers appear as on-screen Gods, and provided a hefty level of challenge. Most people thought the sequel paled in comparison and dented the credibility of the series, but <i>DMC</i> answered the critics with this exaggerated, testosterone-fueled prequel.<i> Dante's Awakening</i> put the devil slaughtering series back in gamers' good graces, and now that it's ripe for the penny penching player to enjoy, those in need of a fix after <i>DMC4</i> will find it's worth every cent.&nbsp;</p><p>Hit the jump as we take a look at <i>Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening</i>.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/69143-bbl36.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #36: Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-36-devil-may-cry-3-dante-s-awakening-69143.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=65346Jim Sterlinghttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jim+SterlingBargain Bin Laden #35: Killzone2008-01-17T19:12:27Z2008-01-17T19:12:27Z<p>Ah, <i>Killzone</i>, how I weep for thee.<i> Killzone</i> is one of hype's most tragic victims, a game so built up as a &quot;<i>Halo</i> killer&quot; and so expected to be the next big thing in first person shooting, that it was never going to be looked upon kindly by history. As developer Guerilla showed off its baby to the world, many people believed that this would be a rich and deep gameplay experience against a new and terrifying enemy, the Helghast. </p><p>Sadly, it just couldn't deliver on the hype, and as such, <i>Killzone</i> is regarded by some as a creative failure. Not that it didn't do well, but when the game is thought of these days, one cannot help but regard how far it came to achieving its promise. Even so, the franchise still carries itself an air of perhaps undeserved greatness, so much so, that the same unrealistic hype is starting to build around its sequel, and it's likely that history will repeat itself as the game's developers seem to focus solely on graphics and talk little of gameplay.</p><p>All this aside, however,<i> Killzone</i> is actually a pretty good game. No, it's not spectacular, and no, it's not the most satisfying game experience out there, but this is <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant/index.phtml?t=Bargain+Bin+Laden" target="_blank">Bargain Bin Laden</a>, where we look for a game that's great for a small amount of money. <i>Killzone</i>, for the price you can nab it for in this day and age, is certainly worth that much. </p><p>Hit the jump for more as we discuss cut through the hype and discuss the raw meat that is <i>Killzone</i>.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/65346-killzone.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #35: Killzone screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-35-killzone-65346.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=61989Joseph Lerayhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Joseph+LerayBargain Bin Laden #34: Killer72008-01-10T22:35:00Z2008-01-10T22:35:00Z<p>As the U.S. release of <i>No More Heroes</i> draws nigh, it's only appropriate that this week's Bargain Bin Laden take a look at <i>Killer 7</i>, which, for many gamers, served as an introduction to writer-director Suda51.</p>
<p><i>Killer 7</i> received mixed reviews and enjoyed less-than-stellar sales, quickly becoming the gaming equivalent of <i>Rocky Horror Picture Show</i>: weird, far from perfect, and unlike anything else I've ever experienced. If any of you listened to <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/podtoid-36-balls-bruckheimer-and-bortions-60791.phtml">Podtoid 36</a>, you heard me cream my pants over <i>Killer7</i>. After having a few days to evaluate it and change my pants, my stance hasn't changed that much, but it is infused with the realization that <i>Killer 7</i> is deeply flawed; which isn't to say that each and every one of you shouldn't drop 10 bucks on it as soon as possible.</p>
<p>Hit the jump to see my take on how <i>Killer7</i>, despite its narrative and technical flaws, still manages to be one of the most original, compelling, thought-provoking, and enjoyable games I've experienced.</p> <p>
<img src="http://bulk2.destructoid.com/ul/61989-HED.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #34: Killer7 screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-34-killer7-61989.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=62472Jim Sterlinghttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jim+SterlingBargain Bin Laden #33: Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty2008-01-03T01:57:00Z2008-01-03T01:57:00Z<p>Ask anybody, I'm a massive <i>Metal Gear Solid</i> fan. For me, Hideo Kojima is a God when it comes to developing characters and storylines in games. This series stands next to Konami's other great line of titles, <i>Silent Hill</i>, and of course, Koei's <i>Dynasty Warriors</i>, as one of my favorite game franchises of all time.</p><p><i>Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty</i> was one of the premier titles on Sony's PlayStation 2, and was a prime example of gaming's movement to the next generation. It looked superb, and after the success of the amazing first <i>MGS</i> on the PlayStation, hopes were high indeed.</p><p>Then Raiden came along. </p><p>After the jump, we introduce the next inductee of the <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant/index.phtml?t=Bargain+Bin+Laden" target="_blank">Bargain Bin Laden</a> golden discount shelf of greatness, discussing why it's one of the most awesome cheap titles you can find out there, and why everybody who hated it because of Raiden is very wrong. Stupid, too.&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/62472-bbl33.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #33: Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-33-metal-gear-solid-2-sons-of-liberty-62472.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=61452Jim Sterlinghttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jim+SterlingBargain Bin Laden #32: Resident Evil 42007-12-26T19:06:34Z2007-12-26T19:06:34Z<p>Welcome to another edition of <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant/index.phtml?t=Bargain+Bin+Laden" target="_blank">Bargain Bin Laden</a>, where we bring you the best of the cheap in the world of games. While some of my previous choices have been quite obscure, today's edition is a game you should all be more than aware of. It was, after all, one of 2004's best games and one of the greatest action titles of all time. I am of course talking about Resident Evil 4. </p><p>While it was rereleased with a Wii Edition earlier this year, you can pick the original GameCube or PS2 version up for under twenty bucks and be guaranteed an awesome time. If you want to read exactly why this game is so great, and I know you do, then by all means hit that jump, sucker.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/61452-residentevil4bbl.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #32: Resident Evil 4 screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-32-resident-evil-4-61452.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=60526Jim Sterlinghttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jim+SterlingBargain Bin Laden #31: Warhammer 40,000: Fire Warrior2007-12-20T11:32:00Z2007-12-20T11:32:00Z<p>The wares of Games Workshop have been a bone of contention throughout much of my life. Drawn in by the wonderful backdrops, the fantastic designs and the lure of an engrossing tabletop game, my only problem so far has been the fact that I'm neither rich nor insane enough to spend the hundreds upon hundreds of dubloons needed in order to field an army of miniature metal warriors. </p><p>Save for a few Tyranids and a couple Thousand Sons here and there, I never really got into the <i>Warhammer 40,000</i> universe as much as I'd have liked. I did, however, snap up <i>Warhammer 40,000: Fire Warrior</i> as soon as it hit stores. A first person shooter enriched with the dark and brooding <i>Warhammer 40K</i> story was something I couldn't keep away from. </p><p>While almost completely forgotten,<i> Fire Warrior </i>was a great little FPS that that provided nothing new, but was a most solid and challenging title that, if found, can now be purchased for a mere pittance. It is for this reason that <i>Warhammer 40,000: Fire Warrior </i>finds a place as the next treasure uncovered by <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant/index.phtml?t=Bargain+Bin+Laden" target="_blank">Bargain Bin Laden</a>. Hit the jump for more.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/60526-firewarrior.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #31: Warhammer 40,000: Fire Warrior screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-31-warhammer-40-000-fire-warrior-60526.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=59215Jim Sterlinghttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jim+SterlingBargain Bin Laden #30: Sonic Advance2007-12-12T20:00:20Z2007-12-12T20:00:20Z<p>It's fair to say that <i>Sonic the Hedgehog</i> fell on hard times when the industry moved out of the 16bit era. Despite a few glimmers of hope, the once-beloved mascot never truly coped with the evolution of videogames and has become, for all intents and purposes, one of the industry's saddest jokes. </p><p>That said, the progression of handhelds proved to be a different story altogether. While horrible 3D efforts such as <i>Sonic Heroes</i> or the more recent <i>Sonic The Hedgehog</i> on PS3/360 have consistently lowered his stock, Sonic at least found a way to recapture his glory days on Nintendo's portable consoles with the decent-if-not-amazing <i>Sonic Rush </i>and the subject of today's <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant/index.phtml?t=Bargain+Bin+Laden" target="_blank">Bargain Bin Laden</a> feature, <i>Sonic Advance</i>.</p><p><i>Sonic Advance</i> was a true return to form for Sonic, bringing him back to his roots on the Gameboy Advance with a 2D platformer that featured everything great about his original run -- simple platforming gameplay, traditional boss fights and awesome music. Able to be bought on the cheap or not-downloaded on not-emulators,<i> Sonic Advance </i>is a true bargain bin classic, so let's get on with it. </p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/59215-sonicadvance.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #30: Sonic Advance screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-30-sonic-advance-59215.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=57827Jim Sterlinghttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jim+SterlingBargain Bin Laden #29: XIII2007-12-05T21:45:00Z2007-12-05T21:45:00Z<p>The first person shooter genre has, for a long time, not been known for its wealth of engrossing, plot-heavy games. With the exception of Valve's <i>Half-Life</i> series, one would be right to think of FPS games as little more than bullet-riddled, guts-or-glory slaughter fests with storyline being little more than a shallow and unnecessary afterthought. </p><p>This year has seen two very important strides made in the field of FPS storytelling, with the appearance of both <i>BioShock</i> and <i>Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare</i> -- games that use the immersion of the first person to follow in <i>Half-Life</i>'s footsteps and tell a real tale. We would be remiss, however, to forget that one other title took first person shooting and, with unmistakable style, truly ran with it to create an absolute thriller.</p><p>That game, was, is and forever will be <i>XIII</i>. Cheapskate gamers, unite! It's time to enter a comic book world of political intrigue in this week's Bargain Bin Laden adventure.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/57827-xiii.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #29: XIII screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-29-xiii-57827.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=56141Jim Sterlinghttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jim+SterlingBargain Bin Laden #28: Indigo Prophecy2007-11-27T18:49:33Z2007-11-27T18:49:33Z<p>We haven't done this in a while, but you should be pleased (or horrified) to know that I've offered to officially take over <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant/index.phtml?t=Bargain+Bin+Laden" target="_blank">Bargain Bin Laden</a> for a while, lest Destructoid fans be without knowledge of the best games currently hiding out in bargain bins across America. This week, we take a look at a game that I actually know as <i>Fahrenheit</i>, but was changed to <i>Indigo Prophecy</i> for the US market, so it wouldn't be confused with Michael Moore. Nobody needs to be confused with Michael Moore.</p><p><i>Indigo Prophecy</i> (which is easier to spell than<i> Fahrenheit</i>) was a game with lofty goals and no small share of ambition. It was a game that endeavored to take storytelling in the medium to a whole new level and provide the depth of character and plot that some gamers have been crying out for. While not 100% successful, <i>Indigo Prophecy</i> did many things right, and took us very close to the edge of truly engaging videogame exposition.&nbsp;</p><p>Hit the jump to re-enter the world of Lucas Kane and its shocking, bloody introduction.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/56141-bbl28.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #28: Indigo Prophecy screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-28-indigo-prophecy-56141.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=49397Colette Bennetthttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Colette+BennettBargain Bin Laden #27: Silent Hill 22007-10-17T15:17:43Z2007-10-17T15:17:43Z<p>Oh, poor Aaron Linde. He doesn't realize what he's done. By lending the reins of BBL to me this week and approving the rabid horror enthusiast within to venerate <i>Silent Hill 2</i>, you may be stuck with one of the most long winded, overly excitable BBL's ever written. Fear not, however -- I will do my best to remain objective, and when I feel I will weep with joy or dance with delight over the rapture caused by inanimate mannequin rape and bloodied corpses, I'll step away from the blog to breathe before I take you deeper within one of my favorite locales within a video game.</p><p>Shall we go to Silent Hill?&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/49397-Sh2_judgement copy.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #27: Silent Hill 2 screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-27-silent-hill-2-49397.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=48047Tristerohttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/TristeroBargain Bin Laden #26: Taito Legends 1 & 22007-10-11T01:19:00Z2007-10-11T01:19:00Z<p><i>[Hey all, Linde here. I know it's been awhile since I've been regular with the BBL updates, but what with review crew and Podtoid and all, keeping it up to date has been kinda tough. But rather than let the ol' column fizzle and die while I tend to other responsibilities, I thought I'd give it to Destructoid and let the rest of the staff share their favorite bargain bin finds with you as well. Shaking things up is always groovy, yeah? We'll have someone new doing the column every week. Same rules apply, though: the only games we'll be featuring will be the best games at the absolute lowest cost.]</i>&nbsp;</p><p>I&rsquo;ve probably got some &lsquo;splaining to do. Pictured above you&rsquo;ll see the hobo I picked up yesterday at the local train tracks. He said he knew a lot about classic arcade games from his younger vagabond days, so I invited him along to help me write this week&rsquo;s Bargain Bin Laden. <i>Taito Legends</i> Vol. 1 and 2 are both so amazingly cheap that I had some spare change after my purchase. With the extra money I decided to treat &ldquo;Ringworm Ricky&rdquo;, as he proudly calls himself, to some vegetarian pizza. Periodically, my altruistic side gets the best of me and I&rsquo;ll place down the old Dual Shock and try to make the world a better place. &quot;If I can save one life, I&rsquo;ve saved the world entire.&quot; That quote&rsquo;s from Mahatma Gandhi (I read books by him in public so people will think I'm a good person).<br /><br />Both <i>Taito Legends </i>collections are jammed with an amazing array of games. We&rsquo;re talking over 60 full-length, arcade perfect ports spanning two discs. If you do some smart shopping you can pick both of them up together for under $20 <i>brand new</i>! At least half of these games completely rock and stand as loving bookends to an arcade culture that&rsquo;s already slipped down the memory tube. Come join me and Ringworm Ricky after the jump, where we get down to the brass tacks of why you need to own at least one of these.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/48047-PIZZABUM.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #26: Taito Legends 1 & 2 screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-26-taito-legends-1-2-48047.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=429128BitBrianhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/8BitBrianBargain Bin Laden #25: Bushido Blade2007-09-09T20:15:44Z2007-09-09T20:15:44Z<p>You want a realistic game? It doesn't get much more realistic than <i>Bushido Blade</i>. Imagine a fighting game where if you take a solid hit, you're done. It wouldn't be much fun, now would it? That's where you're wrong. It's <i>intense</i>.</p><p>Fighting as a warrior, following the code of bushido, you need to take revenge for any number of reasons. Cut down those in your path in order to settle your soul. All it takes is one strike. Bushido Blade provides a unique experience amongst the crowd of other titles in the fighting genre. Settle down awhile and I shall spin you a tale of this game. </p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/42912-bushido blade.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #25: Bushido Blade screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-25-bushido-blade-42912.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=42061Joseph Lerayhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Joseph+LerayBargain Bin Laden # 24: The Legend of Dragoon2007-09-02T17:05:00Z2007-09-02T17:05:00Z<p>As our revered <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant/index.phtml?a=8423">Mr. Monocle</a> <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-23-metal-arms-glitch-in-the-system-40661.phtml">informed us last week</a>, the venerated <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant/index.phtml?a=1358">Aaron Linde</a> is in Budapest eating bears, <i>as we speak!</i> So, I was asked to cover this week's Bargain Bin Laden, and I humbly accepted.</p>
<p>This week, I want to retrospectively wank to Sony's <i>The Legend of Dragoon</i>. I've actually been looking for an excuse to write an article about this game (as it happens to be one of my favorite games of all time); and at the low low price of about $5 at GameStop or <a href="http://www.goozex.com/trading/asp/itemdetail.asp?item=1437">100 Goozex points</a>, it fits the bill for Linde's <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant/index.phtml?t=Bargain+Bin+Laden">weekly ode to frugality</a>.</p>
<p>First and foremost, I have to thank my friend Weston (not that he'll ever read this) for introducing me to this game so many years ago. As a bespectacled 13-year-old boy, I was blown away by the game's complex narrative and innovative combat. Seven years later, as a bespectacled 20-year-old boy, I was blown away by how this game has stood the test of time.</p> <p>
<img src="http://bulk2.destructoid.com/ul/42061-dragoonhed.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden # 24: The Legend of Dragoon screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-24-the-legend-of-dragoon-42061.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=40661Jim Sterlinghttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jim+SterlingBargain Bin Laden #23: Metal Arms: Glitch in the System2007-08-26T13:19:00Z2007-08-26T13:19:00Z<p>Hi gang, once again I'm holding down the fort while much of the staff are out of the office, which is why I'm covering Aaron Linde's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant/index.phtml?t=Bargain+Bin+Laden">Bargain Bin Laden</a> post for today. I'm very pleased to be able to write it this week as well, for it gives me the chance to talk about a game that may very well enjoy a place in Mr. Anthony's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant/index.phtml?t=Forgotten+Games">games that time forgot</a>. Not only is it an utter classic, it's also quite tragically less than known in the gaming world, despite being one of the most hardcore, challenging and above all, amusing games of the last generation. </p><p>I merely happened upon a website ad for the game many years ago while scouring the Internet and was instantly intrigued by the character design that was shown. Deciding to follow up on the game, I became more and more excited for what I was reading about -- predominantly robot-on-robot carnage, with a tongue-in-cheek twist. That game was <i>Metal Arms: Glitch in the System</i>, a tale of metallic uprising, body hacking and a game that never gets the recognition it damn well deserves.</p><p>Hit the jump for more.&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/40661-metalarms.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #23: Metal Arms: Glitch in the System screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-23-metal-arms-glitch-in-the-system-40661.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=38254Aaron Lindehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Aaron+LindeBargain Bin Laden #22: Psychonauts2007-08-12T19:13:00Z2007-08-12T19:13:00Z<p><i>Psychonauts. </i>Yeah, I know -- sort of like <i>Beyond Good and Evil</i>, one of those games that needs no introduction, that almost hourly enjoys some sort of running of the mouth by one journalist or another. I'm introducing it as such to take a bit of the edge off the shock that, yeah, I fully intend to add to the aforementioned cacophony and blurt a few more words of praise for a game that is perhaps already permanently cemented into your mind. It's what I do, baby.</p>
<p>As for the approach, I've got some options. I can take the straight and narrow route and give you the good ol' retrospective review that you've come to expect from BBL, or I could spout off sizzle lines from what I'd expect Pitchfork Media to read like in Hell: <i>"In some catastrophic marriage of genius and futility in an unforgiving industry, </i>Psychonauts<i> reaches for the long-forgotten wedge of the psyche that yearns to play like it was 1991."</i>&nbsp;</p>
<p>It's a fine line. You can do it up right with the even hand of justice or unleash the inner fanboy, a manifestation that brings a familiar taste of equal parts vomit and orange juice to the palate. That we are locked together in this <i>deadly tango</i> of bargain-bin hunting and unbridled adoration, however, necessitates a bit of both. At $12.99, it'd be downright criminal to leave this game off the list, and when the day comes that one of you <i>murders</i> me, the bereaved will carve "never BBL'd <i>Psychonauts</i>" on my tombstone, right below "beloved fat guy."</p>
<p>To that end, I've crafted a scenario that might help you out if you intend on buying the game in the form of a text adventure. To quote 15th-century poet Ronnie James Dio: it seems like desperate measures, but sometimes it's got to be done.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span><b>&gt;hit jump<span style="text-decoration: blink;">_</span></b><span style="text-decoration: blink;"></span> </span></p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/38254-bbl22.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #22: Psychonauts screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-22-psychonauts-38254.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=37532Earnest Cavallihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Earnest+CavalliBargain Bin Laden #21: R-Type Final2007-08-04T12:53:00Z2007-08-04T12:53:00Z<p>S&oslash;ren Kierkegaard once wrote, &quot;<span class="body">I see it all perfectly; there are two possible situations - one can either do this or that. My honest opinion and my friendly advice is this: do it or do not do it - you will regret both.</span>&quot; Mr. Linde, taking the philospher's words to heart, left Washington early yesterday to figure out exactly what &quot;it&quot; is, in an effort to either do, or <i>not</i> do &quot;it.&quot;</p><p>Before leaving, he sent me a short missive asking if I would be so kind as to fill in for him on his weekly <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant/index.phtml?t=Bargain+Bin+Laden" target="_blank">Bargain Bin Laden</a> article, and if I would &quot;please refrain from quoting the Danish.&quot; Having already failed his second request, I should at least make this BBL thing happen; so men, hold your ladies tight, snuggle up close, and prepare to have your minds blown through the wall behind you.</p><p>Hit the jump for a look at <i>R-Type Final</i>, the shockingly inexpensive swan song to one of the most widely revered 2D shooter series in the history of man.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/37532-r-type-final-3.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #21: R-Type Final screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-21-r-type-final-37532.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=36899Aaron Lindehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Aaron+LindeBargain Bin Laden #20: Gunstar Super Heroes2007-07-30T00:13:00Z2007-07-30T00:13:00Z<p>Today, BBL rolls up on the big two-oh. I was planning on some grand gesture to celebrate, like some sort of Destructoid team photo where we're all fighting each other while riding bears or something, but I hear that's <i>illegal</i> in these parts, so I'll just have to do it this way: thanks for reading, gang. Didn't expect to keep crackin' at it twenty installments later, but I'm sure glad to have the lot of you along. </p><p>Twenty, though, is an important number. I can't just let this one slide with something weak, something less than exceptional -- I must pull out the big guns! So, rather than just expound the merits of this week's selection, I'm going to tell you a tale of murder, intrigue, betrayal, and ultimately redemption. <i>Gunstar Super Heroes</i> is a hell of a game and cheap to boot, but it doesn't come without some... <i>complications</i>.&nbsp;</p><p>Hit the jump for the complete saga. </p> <script type="text/javascript"> digg_url = 'http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-20-gunstar-super-heroes-36899.phtml'; </script> <script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/36899-bbl20a.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #20: Gunstar Super Heroes screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-20-gunstar-super-heroes-36899.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=36016Aaron Lindehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Aaron+LindeBargain Bin Laden #19: Otogi2007-07-22T11:51:18Z2007-07-22T11:51:18Z<p>Things look pretty bleak for the next month or so, don&#39;t they? Ah, summertime -- when the gaming industry actually offers a pretty compelling excuse to get off your ass and get outside. There&#39;s not much between here and the end of August, when the <i>flood</i> comes -- that psychotic, wallet-destroying time of year where you practically hemorrhage cash into the open hands of publishers. At least killing season doesn&#39;t start for another month, right? Hold me, I&#39;m scared.</p><p>Anyway, you might be wondering what to do between now and -- well, <i>Bioshock</i>. Maybe you&#39;ve got a bit of cash scraped up from mowing your creepy neighbor&#39;s lawn and didn&#39;t bat and eye when he offered you double pay to wear shorts and run through the sprinklers once or twice when you were through, y&#39;know, to <i>cool off</i>. If you&#39;re looking for a game to fill the void, <i>Otogi</i> could be it -- it can be wrapped in ten hours or thirty, depending on your levels of OCD, and is one of the finest action titles on the original Xbox. Doesn&#39;t hurt that it&#39;s easy on the eyes, either -- personality <i>and</i> looks. Does it get any better? </p><p>Hit the jump for more.&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/36016-BBL19.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #19: Otogi screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-19-otogi-36016.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=34615Aaron Lindehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Aaron+LindeBargain Bin Laden #18: Maximo2007-07-08T20:39:00Z2007-07-08T20:39:00Z<p>You guys smell that? Oh yes, it smells like <i>violent death</i>. That&#39;s right, kids, welcome the newest inductee into the &quot;So Bloody Hard It&#39;s Awesome&quot; club of BBL selections: <i>Maximo: Ghosts to Glory!</i></p><p>Now, bear in mind that when I say this game is brutal, I don&#39;t mean to assign it the level of guts-hungry goat-slaying brutality that are the hallmark of previous BBL selections <i>Contra: Shattered Soldier, Gunvalkyrie</i> or <i>God Hand. </i>It&#39;s not all that bad, but it <i>does</i> have a sort of comic, cartoonish veneer that belies its nature, one which becomes clear when explored via <i>Maximo</i>&#39;s infernal ancestry: if you weren&#39;t already aware, this title serves as the spiritual successor to one of the greatest ass-poundings in gaming history, <i>Ghosts &#39;n Goblins</i>. Petrified yet? You should be!</p><p>To Capcom&#39;s credit, though, they did a fine job bringing the series into the third dimension without mucking up the formula, and even took the edge off of its predecessor&#39;s unforgiving controls and &quot;congratulations on your win now beat it again jerk lol&quot; design flaws. Still a difficult game, but in that way that serves for a hell of a good time -- the Brutal But Not Unfair&trade; set that BBL has been pimping since day one. Hit the jump for more! </p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/34615-BBL18.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #18: Maximo screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-18-maximo-34615.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=34107Aaron Lindehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Aaron+LindeBargain Bin Laden #17: Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga2007-07-01T21:48:00Z2007-07-01T21:48:00Z<p>There&#39;s a particular point in this week&#39;s BBL that I&#39;m going to say now, because I&#39;ll invariably get kicked in the face for saying so -- let&#39;s get the face-kickin&#39; out of the way as quick as possible. I hold firm the belief that this week&#39;s selection, <i>Mario &amp; Luigi: Superstar Saga</i>, is the best <i>Mario</i> RPG ever made, even over series grandpappy <i>Super Mario RPG</i>. It&#39;s a weighty claim, but one that I make with the sort of conviction usually reserved for only the <i>mightiest</i> of bribes -- which reminds me, Nintendo, just leave the check under the doormat.&nbsp;</p><p>Anyways, I&#39;ve got plenty of reasons for making such a suggestion: amazing visuals, <i>outstanding </i>writing, a combination of n&uuml;-RPG standards with all-in-the-timing reflex gameplay, and a ridiculously low price. Can you beat that? I submit that you can <i>not</i>. Should you <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Characters_in_Mario_%26_Luigi:_Superstar_Saga#Fawful">have readiness</a> for what is to come, I implore you: hit that jump, read that text and <i>buy this game!</i> </p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/34107-bbl17.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #17: Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-17-mario-luigi-superstar-saga-34107.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=33654Aaron Lindehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Aaron+LindeBargain Bin Laden #16: Zone of the Enders2007-06-24T23:09:30Z2007-06-24T23:09:30Z<p>Long-time BBL readers know that I&#39;m no stranger to giant robots. You might recall when I covered... huh, okay, no giant robots in the <i>games</i> I&#39;ve covered, anyway. But I dated one in college, which was awkward, especially bringing the giant metal overlord home for Thanksgiving. Robots and I, we&#39;s <i>intimates</i>.</p><p>Newly minted as first lieutenant of the &quot;cheap-but-hardly-obscuro-club&quot; (an organization currently headed by <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-13-dragon-quest-viii-31493.phtml"><i>Dragon Quest VIII</i></a>), <i>Zone of the Enders</i> was shamefully swept aside as a delightful pack-in with $50 copies of the <i>MGS2</i> demo. While I&#39;ll be the first to admit that I hit up Snake&#39;s neck-snappin&#39; and body-draggin&#39; demo adventure first and foremost, I was pleased to find that the game I actually <i>bought</i> wasn&#39;t too bad, either. At five bucks, I think you&#39;ll be inclined to agree. Hit that jump like you mean it and buy this game.&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/33654-bbl16.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #16: Zone of the Enders screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-16-zone-of-the-enders-33654.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=32727Aaron Lindehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Aaron+LindeBargain Bin Laden #15: Crimson Skies2007-06-10T19:47:00Z2007-06-10T19:47:00Z<p>Today we reach back to hallowed antiquity in a loosely related sort of way. Back in <i>The Day</i> I covered an oft-overlooked title for BBL called <a href="www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-2-sky-odyssey-28744.phtml"><i>Sky Odyssey</i></a>, and it's difficult to write up this week's feature, <i>Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge</i> without feeling a few pangs of memory for that long-ago flight "sim". They're about as apples and oranges as you can get in most respects, save one: completely unrealistic flying. Stalling? The hell is <i>that?</i></p>
<p>Before we get started, I wanted to say thanks to <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant/index.phtml?a=1325">Brad</a> for handling BBL in my absence last week. I was busy building the massive throne that I was to wear upon my back and carry my English professors 'round upon, but the good news is that I graduated before they had a chance to use it. So, I've got a degree now, which means I can smoke a pipe and say words like "indubitably". So much for all of those people that said I'd never make it past third grade, right? Take <i>that</i>, Dad!</p>
<p>Oh, right, <i>Crimson Skies</i>. We should get on that. It's dirt cheap, running around $3.99 or so, so you've really no excuse not to try it. Besides, it combines my three favorite elements in all of gaming: planes, guns, and <i>planes with guns</i>. So when you're at church today <i>[Ed note: Yeah, it's late now, so let's just pretend I wrote "next week"]</i>, don't drop that fiver in the collection tray -- pocket that sumbitch and pick up a copy of this game on the way home. Did you know God's an Xbox man? He <i>wants</i> you to. Hit the jump for more!</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/32727-bbl15.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #15: Crimson Skies screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-15-crimson-skies-32727.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=320798BitBrianhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/8BitBrianBargain Bin Laden #14: Freedom Fighters2007-06-02T19:04:51Z2007-06-02T19:04:51Z<p>Aaron Linde is busy hunting terrorists with Jack Bauer, so I&#39;m taking over Bargain Bin Laden this week. This week&#39;s game, <i>Freedom Fighters</i>, is one that I&#39;ve actually discussed with Mr. Linde at some length. This is one of those games that I got to play as a rental long ago, and thanks to Goozex, am finally getting my hands on a copy once again.</p><p>Freedom Fighters gives us an alternate history setting, where Russia takes over the U.S., in classic Cold War fearing fashion. This is all thanks to the fact that the Soviet Union dropped the atomic bomb on Berlin, before anyone else was able to use it. You play Christopher Stone, a plumber who escapes a raid by Russian soldiers on an apartment he&#39;s working in. From this point on, you help lead a resistance force against the Russians. Doesn&#39;t it just taste like 80&#39;s propaganda?</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/32079-screen17.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #14: Freedom Fighters screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-14-freedom-fighters-32079.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=31493Aaron Lindehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Aaron+LindeBargain Bin Laden #13: Dragon Quest VIII2007-05-13T16:29:00Z2007-05-13T16:29:00Z<p>This week&#39;s selection ain&#39;t exactly obscure, but it <i>is</i> one of the best RPGs ever made. If you haven&#39;t already played <i>Dragon Quest VIII</i>, it&#39;s likely that you&#39;ve spoken with someone who has, or read one of the thousand glowing reviews, or had someone angrily hoist it upon you as a replacement for that copy of <i>Magna Carta</i> you almost bought. Maybe you&#39;re on the fence about <i>DQ8</i>; a game you&#39;ve been meaning to get around to playing but simply weren&#39;t motivated to track it down. Maybe the promised 70+ hours of play scares the holy bejesus out of you.</p><p>Don&#39;t be scared, lad. <i>Dragon Quest VIII</i> is RPG gaming at its very finest, and the work of a developer at the absolute top of their game. If you&#39;re wondering why everyone&#39;s so hyped up over <i>White Knight Story</i> on the PS3, look no further than <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Level-5">Level 5</a>, creators of the <i>Dark Cloud</i> series, <i>Rogue Galaxy</i>, and the forthcoming <i>Jeanne d&#39;Arc</i> on the PSP. They knocked it out of the park. </p><p>So, this one goes out to all y&#39;all who need a shove in the right direction. If you&#39;re interested in one of the most epic, finely-tuned and masterfully created games ever created for <b>under ten bucks</b>, this is the game for you -- read on and I&#39;ll tell you why. The rest of you, well, read on anyway and join me in some slightly premature nostalgia for one of the PS2&#39;s greatest games.</p><p>And be forewarned: this installment of BBL is epic in length, much like the game that it features. </p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/31493-bbl13.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #13: Dragon Quest VIII screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-13-dragon-quest-viii-31493.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=31239Aaron Lindehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Aaron+LindeSuper Bargain Bin Laden Gaiden Turbo EX: The Red Star2007-04-28T01:31:00Z2007-04-28T01:31:00Z<p>Good evening and happy Friday, friends, and welcome to a special edition of <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant/index.phtml?t=Bargain+Bin+Laden">Bargain Bin Laden</a>. As those of you familiar with how we work it up here in <i>Bargainville</i> (located in northern <i>Dealvania</i>) are already aware, covering new or recently released titles isn&#39;t exactly standard operating procedure, but what am I supposed to do in the event than an excellent game is let loose upon the world at an already ridiculously low price? </p><p>So, please understand that this break from protocol is not entirely my fault. The responsibility for this three-headed mutant child-column of BBL rests solely upon the shoulders of XS Games and their new PS2 release <i>The Red Star</i>, (finally) available for just twenty clams after more than three years of bone-headed delays. Early reports spoke of <i>The Red Star</i> as a game fusing elements from both the shmup and beat-&#39;em-up genres, both of which are very near and dear to ol&#39; Linde&#39;s heart, so I had a feeling I&#39;d probably dig it a little bit -- at least enough to merit dropping $20 on a new copy. </p><p>As it turns out, I had <i>severely</i> underestimated <i>Red Star</i>. Don&#39;t be fooled by the bargain-bin sticker price or the leagues of delays this game suffered over the years; this is top-quality classic action gaming, and an experience you shouldn&#39;t dare miss. Hit the jump for my review and <i>buy this game</i> -- if you can find it, that is. </p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/31239-SUPERBBL.jpg" alt="Super Bargain Bin Laden Gaiden Turbo EX: The Red Star screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/super-bargain-bin-laden-gaiden-turbo-ex-the-red-star-31239.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=31088Aaron Lindehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Aaron+Linde360 backwards compatibility update includes Panzer Dragoon, others2007-04-19T13:44:00Z2007-04-19T13:44:00Z<p>Holy God, Microsoft just answered two of my biggest prayers. The latest upcoming backwards compatibility update for the Xbox 360 covers a round of half-decent titles, but also includes the A-List But Sadly Forgotten (And Thus Very Cheap) Champions of Awesome, <i><a href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-8-panzer-dragoon-orta-29907.phtml">Panzer Dragoon Orta</a> </i>and <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-4-jet-set-radio-future-sega-gt-2002-29002.phtml"><i>Jet Set Radio Future</i></a>, thus bringing my list of Xbox games I can finally play on my 360 up to... uh, two. I can&#39;t say for certain whether or not that includes the <i>JSRF/Sega GT</i> bundle disc, but seeing as how the Xbox 360 compatibility list now includes both of those titles, it very well might. </p><p>The patch isn&#39;t available on Live just yet, but you can <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=603aa2f7-bbca-4fa6-b679-794bca845577&amp;DisplayLang=en">download and burn the patch manual-like</a> if you just can&#39;t wait to update your 360 to play these games. The linked page says &quot;August 2006 update&quot;, but the file is most certainly an April 2007 deal, so be not afraid.&nbsp;</p><p>Hit the jump for a full list of newly-compatible games. </p><p>[Thanks, <a href="http://www.deeko.com/news/?p=834">Deeko!</a>]&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/31088-pdoxbox.JPG" alt="360 backwards compatibility update includes Panzer Dragoon, others screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/360-backwards-compatibility-update-includes-panzer-dragoon-others-31088.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=31007Aaron Lindehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Aaron+LindeBargain Bin Laden #12: Scurge: Hive2007-04-15T21:16:00Z2007-04-15T21:16:00Z<p>This week&#39;s Bargain Bin Laden begins with a personal gripe: Nintendo and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_Software_Technology_Corporation">NST</a> really crapped in my cereal with <i>Metroid Prime: Hunters</i>. Not because it was a bad game -- quite the contrary, actually -- but just because the original Prime took my favorite 2D series and sort of lodged it into a 3D environment, and was then brought to the haven for 2D gaming: a portable platform. <i>Metroid Prime</i> is a hell of a good time, but when I settle down with my DS, I prefer my gaming in two distinct dimensions: X and Y. Sure, there&#39;s this 2D <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metroid_Dread"><i>Metroid Dread</i></a> title rumored to be floating around at Nintendo&#39;s Intelligent Systems studio, but the murmurings of its cancellation in the two years since it was mentioned (not <i>shown</i>, mind, but only mentioned) make me fear that classic <i>Metroid</i> might be getting muscled out. The <i>Castlevania</i> DS titles have served well to ease my need for this brand of adventure gaming, but they&#39;ll never fill the void quite like another 2D <i>Metroid</i>. </p><p>You might be wondering what all this <i>Metroid</i> talk has to do with <i>Scurge: Hive</i> -- that is, unless you&#39;ve read a preview or review of the game, y&#39;know, ever. The comparisons are drawn for good reason: you, a female bounty hunter named Jenosa Arma, bring the pain to an assembly of weird creatures while staving off an infection you picked up on a space station. If it sounds <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metroid_Fusion">familiar</a>, it ought to; being so heavily influenced by <i>Metroid Fusion</i>, you can&#39;t help but draw comparisons between these two titles.&nbsp; </p><p>Fortunately, <i>Scurge</i> stands as one of the best <i>Metroid</i>-esque titles released in the last year, making it a suitable stand-in while we await a true 2D <i>Metroid</i> sequel. On top of that, <i>Scurge</i> nets a haul of extra brownie points for bringing some original ideas to the table, creating a sweaty smorgasbord of delectable 2D gaming for a very low price. Strap on your skin-tight bounty hunter jumpsuit and hit the jump for more! </p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/31007-bbl12.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #12: Scurge: Hive screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-12-scurge-hive-31007.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=30868Aaron Lindehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Aaron+LindeBargain Bin Laden 11: Contra: Shattered Soldier2007-04-08T22:07:45Z2007-04-08T22:07:45Z<p>Happy Holy Zombie Day, pixies -- since all but ten to fifteen of you have meandered towards a computer and away from drunken relatives arguing over divinity and chocolate eggs and large sums of borrowed money, I figure I&#39;ve gotta do my best to entertain you. It&#39;s a slow day in the gaming world, but not slow enough that I won&#39;t recommend a brutal and violent mugging of your nearest mall Easter Bunny, taking your haul to the nearest game store, and buying some cheap (and awesome) games.&nbsp;</p><p>Before we get started, I&#39;ve got a couple of announcements for you to keep tabs on. On or around April 18th, <a href="http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=281656"><i>Red Star</i></a> will finally ship for the PS2, having been picked up by publisher XS Games after Acclaim went belly-up before the game could ship a few years back. Impressions from intrepid Internet detectives who played the leaked builds after its original cancellation seemed pretty positive -- a solid alternate-history beat-&#39;em-&#39;up based on the graphic novel of same name. Should be worth $20, keep an eye out for it.</p><p>Additionally, shmup fans will be pleased to note that <a href="http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=281692"><i>Raiden III</i></a> will finally see a US release around that same day, the 18th. At a not-so-bargain-bin sticker price of $29.99, you might be considering skipping this game until it shows up used under a buck or so, but if you&#39;re at least marginally interested in <i>Raiden III</i>, best pick it up now rather than later. Games released late into the shelf-life of a console that aren&#39;t necessarily A-list or first-party releases (likesay, <i>God of War II</i>) aren&#39;t likely to see multiple reprintings; once they&#39;re gone, they&#39;re gone. Remember <i>Castlevania Chronicles</i> on the PS1? Yeah, like <i>that</i>.&nbsp;</p><p>Anyhow, with that out of the way, let&#39;s get on with the show: <i>Contra: Shattered Soldier </i>on the PS2. Ball-bustingly difficult? You bet. Worth your scratch? Absolutely. Hit the jump and <i>buy this game!</i></p><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/30868-bbl11.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden 11: Contra: Shattered Soldier screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-11-contra-shattered-soldier-30868.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=30694Aaron Lindehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Aaron+LindeBargain Bin Laden 10: Shenmue II2007-04-01T22:29:00Z2007-04-01T22:29:00Z<p>Good god, it&#39;s been a long couple of weeks. If you haven&#39;t already <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant/index.phtml?a=1358">read my bitching and complaining elsewhere,</a> the story is this: three weeks before the end of my penultimate Winter quarter at Western Washington University, I realized I hadn&#39;t done any work. Whoops! So there was this period of panic, followed by a fantastic depression, followed (as these things tend to be) by lots of drinking and an eventual return to academic success. It took some time, but everything&#39;s coming up Linde now, and I can get back to the business of bein&#39; geeky. </p><p>I&#39;ve been at Destructoid since October. I&#39;ve cranked out ten BBLs since then, alongside a slew of other projects, and I&#39;ve loved every minute of it. Thanks for making things interesting for me, gang -- I look forward to beating down your door with forceful gaming recommendations for as long as you&#39;ll have me. Now that the sticky sentimentality is out of the way, there are <i>results</i> to be detailed. </p><p>Holy crap, you guys really made a hell of a turnout for this little contest I had running. Lots of great submissions, but there can be only one winner: <b>Joshua Lanphear</b>, whose handiwork you can check out above. Great job, Josh, and be on the lookout for an e-mail in the near-soon. To the rest of all y&#39;all, you guys made an awesome effort, and thanks for giving it your best. Oh, and Special Bonus Mega Ultra Award to Wario Wario, who submitted <b>six</b> entries, none of which contained a correct spelling of the word &quot;Bargain&quot;. Salut!</p><p>The lot of you took the sailors thing to the next level, which I can&#39;t help but appreciate, seeing as how <i>Shenmue II</i> is a game almost entirely <i>about</i> sailors. Wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling sailors. Oh, there&#39;s a <i>game</i>, alright. But it&#39;s mostly about -- mmm, <i>sailors</i>. Naval fetishes aside, <i>Shenmue II</i> is a game easily worth your six bucks, six bucks that can be magically transformed into a rich, vibrant 20-plus hour gaming experience. So go get your anchor tattoos and read up on why you must&nbsp;<i>buy this game.</i> </p><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/30694-BBLCONTEST.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden 10: Shenmue II screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-10-shenmue-ii-30694.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=30215Aaron Lindehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Aaron+LindeBargain Bin Laden #9.5: Win a heap of games!2007-03-12T17:33:00Z2007-03-12T17:33:00Z<p><b>[<i>Update: </i></b><i>We&#39;ve got plenty of great submissions thus far, but there&#39;s still time left, people -- you got &#39;til Friday.</i>] </p><p>Afternoon, underlings. Aaron Linde here -- and by <i>here</i>, I mean <i>not at GDC</i>. That&#39;s right! While the rest of the staff is off committing Class A felonies in the city by the bay, I&#39;m stuck in the Great Northwest, fending off bears with naught but bare fists and a smile. That&#39;s hip Seattleite-speek for &quot;finals&quot;.</p><p>Being that I&#39;m currently under the spiked boot of academia, there&#39;s no Bargain Bin Laden this week. We&#39;ll be returning to our regularly scheduled <i>slick deals</i> in a week or two, but in the mean time, how &#39;bout some freebies?</p><p>Up for grabs is a copy of every game featured on Bargain Bin Laden thus far -- nine in total, courtesy of Destructoid, delivered to your door <i>en masse</i> by various Half.com resellers. All you&#39;ve gotta do to win is create the perfect Bargain Bin Laden-style image edit for my forthcoming feature on <i>Shenmue II</i>, set to debut in two weeks. Make it funny, make it odd, make it utterly bizarre or make it scare the crap out of my girlfriend -- whatever. Just make sure it has some connection to <i>Shenmue</i> or some variation thereof. Check <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant/index.phtml?t=Bargain+Bin+Laden">previous editions of BBL</a> to get an idea of how to work it. And, &#39;cos I love you, here&#39;s a <a href="http://gringoman.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/obl.jpg">half-decent source image</a> to get you started. Need the Dtoid font? <a href="http://www.dafont.com/font.php?file=04b_03b">Never fear, we got you covered there, too.</a> </p><p>Judging will be handled by me, Dick McVengeance, and whoever bribes me with the biggest wad of cash. I&#39;ll announce the winner in the <i>Shenmue II</i> post, so keep an eye out for that. <a href="mailto:aaron.linde@REMOVENOSPAMdestructoid.com">Send your submission to this e-mail address</a> (make sure to remove the obvious anti-spam), and make sure to include a means of contacting you in the event your submission is chosen. Deadline for submissions is March 16th, so get crackin&#39;!</p><p><b><br /></b> </p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/30215-28518-bbl.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #9.5: Win a heap of games! screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=30062Aaron Lindehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Aaron+LindeBargain Bin Laden #9: God Hand2007-02-25T21:45:00Z2007-02-25T21:45:00Z<p>So, <i>God Hand</i>. Let&#39;s get those big questions cleared away before we begin, shall we?</p><p>First, those of you paying attention might note that while <i>God Hand</i> recently enjoyed a nigh-universal price cut, the new $19.99 new / $17.99 used sticker price doesn&#39;t <i>quite</i> fit in with BBL&#39;s price standards; indeed, you can&#39;t really label a game like <i>God Hand</i> as necessarily <i>bargain bin</i>, not yet. But with as many copies as I see going unpurchased on store shelves everywhere, it&#39;s only a matter of time &#39;til the game becomes especially cheap -- until then, <i>God Hand</i> is certainly a steal at its current price. Consider this a <i>preemptive</i> Bargain Bin Laden.</p><p>Also, a quick glance into this write-up&#39;s immediate future (being <i>teh psykik</i> that I am) reveals the angry cries of &quot;overrated!&quot;, and &quot;<a href="http://ps2.ign.com/articles/738/738253p1.html">IGN gave this a 3.0</a>, therefore it blows!&quot;, and &quot;I&#39;m sick and tired of elitist gaming journalists telling me to buy this crappy game!&quot; and so forth. I understand a little hesitation, but trust me anyway. It&#39;s a great game.</p><p><i>God Hand</i> ain&#39;t perfect, but where it shines, it shines in the way that few games ever have. It&#39;s hardly the most underrated game of all time, but it sure as hell isn&#39;t the worst, as IGN would have you believe. The goal, then, is to at least get you in a mindset that yearns for the experience that <i>God Hand</i> can offer. A mindset that screams &quot;I <i>need</i> to spank people.&quot;</p><p>Prepare yourself for some <i>epic</i> length, and hit that jump for more. </p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/30062-BBL9.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #9: God Hand screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-9-god-hand-30062.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=29907Aaron Lindehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Aaron+LindeBargain Bin Laden #8: Panzer Dragoon Orta2007-02-18T22:00:00Z2007-02-18T22:00:00Z<p>Did you know that &quot;Bargain Bin Laden&quot; has been incorporated into several terrorism aggregate news feeds since its inception? It&#39;s true! Good to know that those looking for the latest updates on the US&#39;s #1 most wanted can also read up on <i>Mobile Light Force 2</i>.&nbsp;</p><p>Eight! We&#39;re at eight! That&#39;s -- that&#39;s almost ten! Seeing as how <a href="http://www.podtoid.com">we&#39;re in the mood for celebrating numerical milestones</a> of late, I&#39;m trying to think of something particularly sexy when we finally hit double digits. Therefore, I&#39;m calling upon retailers: drop the price of new PS3s to $100 so we can feature the system on BBL. Hey, come on -- that&#39;s not so low, it&#39;s still about $50 more than the PS3 is actually worth. Oh<i>,&nbsp;snap</i>.&nbsp; </p><p>Anyhow, I&#39;ve been kickin&#39; out the jams with Bargain Bin Laden for almost three months, and I&#39;m glad to have the lot of you along for the ride. Don&#39;t forget: when you spy great games at great prices, stumble across some kick-ass finds or just can&#39;t hide your unbridled passion for BBL, <a href="mailto:aaron.linde@destructoid.com">drop me a line</a> and let me know. </p><p>In the mean by, let&#39;s get things rolling with this week&#39;s BBL: our third Xbox game, our third Sega-published Xbox game, and our third Smilebit-developed Sega-published Xbox game, <i>Panzer Dragoon Orta</i>. Didn&#39;t I mention something about these guys kicking <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-6-gunvalkyrie-29625.phtml">loads</a> <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-4-jet-set-radio-future-sega-gt-2002-29002.phtml">of ass</a>? Because they <i>do</i>, and the fruits of their labor can be found at extraordinarily low prices. Hit the jump for more! </p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/29907-bbl8.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #8: Panzer Dragoon Orta screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-8-panzer-dragoon-orta-29907.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=29871Aaron Lindehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Aaron+LindeHigh Scores: our best garage sale gaming finds2007-02-16T19:13:00Z2007-02-16T19:13:00Z<p>I had the most <i>wonderful</i> dream last night. Hey, where are you going? I swear it has nothing to do with me, a bottle of scotch, a swimming pool full of maple syrup and one Mr. Ron Workman. Well, not <i>this</i> dream, anyway.</p><p>No, this dream was a magical one: somehow, I had stumbled from the halcyon realm of naked women and booze into some sort of flea market, and before me sat the most incredible stockpile of classic games I had ever seen. Old SNES, NES, and PSX games, all in amazing shape and in their original boxes and cases, priced to move at three bucks a pop. Ravenous, I snatched the games by the armload, shooting steely glances at anybody who would interrupt my gathering of this massive valentine from the mid-90s. </p><p>Setting the load on a nearby countertop, I loudly proclaimed that if the woman selling the games would wait but a moment, I&#39;d go withdraw every last dollar from my bank account so I could buy them all. It was <i>paradise</i>. Alas, just as quickly as I had stumbled upon such treasure, the vision was ripped away from me by that confounded alarm clock. <i>Dammit</i>.&nbsp;</p><p>But I woke with a sudden curiosity: many of us are collectors, and can recall fondly the wasted hours in pawn shops, thrift stores, and garage sales looking for that perfect score -- the find to end all finds. So, Dtoiders, what are your best finds in gaming? Tell us in the comments about the sweetest deals, the best bargains, or the otherwise unusual scores you&#39;ve come across over the years, and be sure to hit that jump so you can read ours.&nbsp; </p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/29871-1_vgc_original_main_large.jpg" alt="High Scores: our best garage sale gaming finds screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/high-scores-our-best-garage-sale-gaming-finds-29871.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=29777Aaron Lindehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Aaron+LindeBargain Bin Laden #7: Beyond Good and Evil2007-02-11T20:46:00Z2007-02-11T20:46:00Z<p>You don&#39;t <i>really</i> need me to go on and on about Ubisoft&#39;s incredible <i>Beyond Good and Evil</i>, do you? The same people that busy themselves fellating Fumito Ueda over <i>Shadow of the Colossus</i> and <i>ICO</i> and waxing philosophical on the genius of Shigesato Itoi and the <i>Mother</i> series (read: me) have probably whispered to you of plans to blow up a Dunkin Donuts to show Ubisoft how much they want a sequel. </p><p>The <i>Zelda</i> series spawned a genre that offers a special kind of adventure, and it is within this genre that games like <i>Okami</i> and <i>Beyond Good and Evil</i> were cultivated. Great action, amazing character design, a killer plot and spectacular gameplay -- <i>BG&amp;E</i> has it all. It&#39;s a <i>damn</i> fine game, available on <i>all</i> major platforms, and a steal at ten bucks. You <i>must buy this game</i>. Hit the jump for more!</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/29777-BGE.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #7: Beyond Good and Evil screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-7-beyond-good-and-evil-29777.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=29625Aaron Lindehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Aaron+LindeBargain Bin Laden #6: Gunvalkyrie2007-02-04T21:59:00Z2007-02-04T21:59:00Z<p>I&#39;d like to think that our usual audiences would be present and accounted for today, but let&#39;s face it: most of you are watching the game, drunk and awash in nacho cheese. I could phone this one in and nobody&#39;d be the wiser! This week&#39;s Bargain Bin Laden features everyone&#39;s favorite bargain bin purchase: ramen noodles!</p><p>Forget it. I&#39;ll behave, I swear.&nbsp;</p><p>You might notice that our selection for this week, <i>Gunvalkyrie</i>, has something in common with both past and future <i>BBL</i> features; it was developed by Smilebit, just as <i><a href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-4-jet-set-radio-future-sega-gt-2002-29002.phtml">Jet Set Radio Future</a> </i> and <i>Panzer Dragoon Orta</i> (coming soon!) were. Three of the Xbox&#39;s finest titles, all spewed forth from the gaping maw of the same developer -- that&#39;s quite a pedigree. </p><p><i>Gunvalkyrie</i> might be the hardest game you&#39;ll play on the Xbox. It&#39;ll chew you up, spit you out, and crap on your corpse, and you&#39;ll love <i>every</i> minute of it, given enough time to surmount the game&#39;s nigh-insurmountable learning curve. But don&#39;t be afraid, lad. Take my hand and hit the jump to read why you <i>must own this game</i>. </p> <p>
<img src="http://dtlb1.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/29625-bbl5 copy.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #6: Gunvalkyrie screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-6-gunvalkyrie-29625.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=29609Papa Nierohttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Papa+NieroBK drops game prices to 99 cents; your arteries shudder as you approach2007-02-03T10:15:00Z2007-02-03T10:15:00Z<p>Just when you thought the King&#39;s game collection couldn&#39;t get any cheaper than $4 ... the games become cheaper than their burgers. You can now get <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/the-burger-king-games-the-images"><i>Pocketbike Racer, Sneak King,</i></a> <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/the-burger-king-games-the-images"> and the bumper car one that nobody likes</a> for the sum of one Washington when you buy any of their life expectancy altering combos. A dollar for an Xbox 360 game is insane. You can&#39;t even buy a good NES game out of a bargain bin at EB (or a bottle of water, the earth&#39;s most abundant resource) for that price! Yeah, these games will not stand the test of time, there are much worse games on XBLA priced for so much more. In terms of bang for your buck, has it ever been any better than this?</p><p>[Via <a href="http://hushedcasket.com/node/1729" target="_blank">Hushed Casket</a>]&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/29609-burger-king-games2.jpg" alt="BK drops game prices to 99 cents; your arteries shudder as you approach screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=29499Aaron Lindehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Aaron+LindeBargain Bin Laden #5: Donkey Kong Jungle Beat2007-01-28T19:58:00Z2007-01-28T19:58:00ZSorry for the interruption in programming, kids. Due to forces beyond my control like <i>physics</i> and <i>math</i> and other kinds of <i>science</i>, BBL&#39;s gonna be a Sunday deal from here on out. We cool? Good. I hate it when we fight, baby. I just wanna make things <i>right</i>.<br /><p>I&#39;ve been meaning to do a write-up on this game for awhile, but these are special circumstances. My weekly trip to the bargain bins across the great city of Bellingham brought unto me a revelation: GameStop has priced down a number of GameCube accessories, including the DK Bongos, which you can get for an easy $4.99 new in box, $3.99 used. If rhythm games aren&#39;t your thing, there&#39;s one application of the bongo controller that you may have overlooked: <i>Donkey Kong Jungle Beat</i>, one of the finest platformers available, which was <i>also</i> priced down alongside its standalone companions to a cool $14.99, new. They&#39;re not likely to stay in stock for very long at such a price.<br /> </p><p>I&#39;m breaking the rules on my ten-bucks-or-less BBL mandate and making an exception for <i>Jungle Beat</i>, because you can&#39;t top a steal like that, especially for a game that was at one time somewhat cost-prohibitive due to its packed-in bongo. At fifteen bucks, though, you have no excuse. Hit the jump for more on this beatlicious title and find out why you must <i>buy this game.</i> </p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/29499-bbl5dk.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #5: Donkey Kong Jungle Beat screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-5-donkey-kong-jungle-beat-29499.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=29002Aaron Lindehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Aaron+LindeBargain Bin Laden #4: Jet Set Radio Future/Sega GT 20022007-01-09T21:41:00Z2007-01-09T21:41:00Z<p>Before I&#39;m drawn and quartered for the extreme tardiness of this week&#39;s BBL, let me assure you that it was not my wish to delay. Rather, the Great and Terrible Gods of Consumer Electronics deemed me unfit to carry on with my ag&eacute;d computer setup; decrepit though it may had been, my Athlon XP 1700+ had chugged along for a record <i>six years</i> with virtually no issues whatsoever until finally choking on its own blood and vomit on January 3rd, 2006. Rest in peace, homie.</p><p>This last week, then, has been spent scrambling to assemble the pieces of a computer so mighty that it&#39;d make God hisself tremble in his boots. To wit, I have constructed what the layman might mistake for the <i>machine that turns the world</i> -- an unholy creation of such terrifying power that it slays a Giant-King with every boot-up.</p><p>Fine, fine -- it&#39;s a Pentium D 2.8ghz setup. Nothing too fancy, I know, but so what? It&#39;s still a major leap forward from my previous setup, and while some of you are still rocketing on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_Ninja_650R">Kawasaki Ninja</a> to my <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penny_farthing">penny farthing</a>, I&#39;m still mighty pleased with the results. I&#39;m even gonna play <i>Doom 3</i> later! Nothing but the latest and greatest for <i>this</i> speed-demon!</p><p>Shut up.</p><p>So now, onto stuff that I <i>can</i> play at sixty frames per second: this week&#39;s Bargain Bin Laden features none other than the ill-fated <i>Jet Set Radio Future/Sega GT 2002</i> Xbox pack-in disc, now available at game stores everywhere -- and I mean <i>everywhere</i> -- for just shy of two bucks. <i>Two</i>. Even if you choose <i>not</i> to hit that jump, decide to wash your hands of me, BBL, and Destructoid as a whole, if you own an Xbox and like <i>fun</i>, you would be a fool to ignore such a deal. I&#39;ll say that again: <i>two dollars</i>. Go buy it, come back, and read up on the bundle of <i>rad</i> that you&#39;ve just purchased.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/29002-jsrf.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #4: Jet Set Radio Future/Sega GT 2002 screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-4-jet-set-radio-future-sega-gt-2002-29002.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=28882Aaron Lindehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Aaron+LindeBargain Bin Laden #3: Mobile Light Force 22006-12-26T22:14:00Z2006-12-26T22:14:00Z<p>Settle down, children, and let ol&#39; BBL tell you a tale; a tale of mystery, intrigue, and ultimate suffering. It is a story of Japanese shooters and their horrible and inappropriately localized US counterparts, of witchcraft, and sailboats. It&#39;s the story of <i>Mobile Light Force 2</i>. I was lying about the sailboats. The witchcraft, on the other hand -- you&#39;ll have to read to find out.&nbsp;</p><p>Seriously, you would&#39;ve figured that we&#39;ve come far enough along that publishers wouldn&#39;t screw with original content in such a way, but XS Games done and gone proved me wrong. Back in 2003 they took it upon themselves to publish a slew of shooters in the US -- a noble endeavor indeed, but their execution was a little nutty. Seeking to establish some kind of brand recognition, they took two games --<i> Gunbird</i> and <i>Shikigami no Shiro</i> on the PS1 and PS2, respectively -- and renamed them <i>Mobile Light Force</i> 1 and 2, despite having no original connection to one another and having been created by two <i>completely seperate developers</i>. </p><p>Capitalizing on what I can only assume was hailed in their offices as a fit of unmitigated brilliance, XS Games also gave them some quality box art, seen above -- three Charlie&#39;s Angels lookin&#39; ladies toting guns, blasting away robots, looking all sexy and whatnot. Again -- no connection whatsoever to the original game. Sorry, game<i>s</i>. Oh, did I mention? They used the <i>same box art</i> on both games. Two unrelated games by unrelated developers, lumped together as a series, and slapped with the (unrelated) box art. Though XS Games have since <a href="http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=939053">gotten wise with their delivery of the sequel</a>, <i>Mobile Light Force 2</i> stands as a testament to what happens when a great game runs through really, really stupid hands.</p><p>Sound wacky? You bet! And It only gets worse -- or better, if you&#39;re a shmup whore like good ol&#39; Linde. Hit the jump for more! </p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/28882-bbl3.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #3: Mobile Light Force 2 screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-3-mobile-light-force-2-28882.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=28744Aaron Lindehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Aaron+LindeBargain Bin Laden #2: Sky Odyssey2006-12-19T23:39:00Z2006-12-19T23:39:00Z<i>Pilotwings</i> has been painfully absent from our hearts and minds for more than ten years. The last we saw the series was <i>Pilotwings 64</i>, a launch title that was sadly overshadowed by the irrefutable success of Super Mario's ascent into the third dimension. I got both on launch, and though <i>Mario 64</i> held first place in my heart for years thereafter, I invested an absurd amount of time into <i>Pilotwings 64</i> long after Mario had been bested.
<p>Flight sims and I have a wacky relationship; they're either too bloody hard with absurdly high learning curves (<i>Flight Simulator X</i>) or too combat oriented (everything else). I like me some flyin'. I like me some <i>crashin'</i> even more, but I also like to be good at it from time to time. Arcade-style (read: unrealistic, fun) flight simulators are few and far between, a genre almost <i>entirely</i> populated with Pilotwings. Almost.
<p>Take heart, lads! There's a perfect game for us <i>Pilotwings</i>ophiles to fill the void until a Wii or DS solution appears on the distant horizon: <i>Sky Odyssey</i> for the PS2. No jetpacks, skydiving, or birdwings with which to sail across a miniturized USA, but the <i>best</i> flight game on the PS2 nonetheless.
<p>Hit the jump for further idiotic adventures in aviation!</p>
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<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/28744-bbl2.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #2: Sky Odyssey screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-2-sky-odyssey-28744.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=28518Aaron Lindehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Aaron+LindeBargain Bin Laden #1: Seek and Destroy2006-12-12T15:05:00Z2006-12-12T15:05:00Z<p>You kids and your <i>next-gen</i> -- flirting with financial ruin, that's what you're doing. $300-$600 for a new console? Sixty bones for a game? <i>Hogwash!</i> Why sell off your kidneys, your firstborn, and your firstborn's kidneys for the scratch to feed your gaming habit when there's a bounty of absurdly cheap last-gen titles just <i>waiting</i> to be purchased?
<p>Welcome, friends, to Bargain Bin Laden -- a swirling Lovecraftian mass of frugality speeding through the intertubes with the sole purpose of helping you find the best gaming experience on the most limited budget. My goal is to raise awareness of the gems that populate many bargain bins in game shops everywhere, and to drill into your little skulls that they aren't <i>all</i> copies of <i>NBA Inside Drive 2003</i> and <i>Turok Evolution</i>.
<p>Though many of these games have passed under your radar, I'll slap my personal guarantee that they're some of the finer experiences to be had on your consoles. Niche titles that fill holes in your library that no other game could occupy -- all at prices so low they constitute economic terrorism!
<p>This week we're featuring <i>Seek and Destroy</i>, released four years ago today. It's easily one of the ugliest games ever released on the PS2 and an alumnus of the Inappropriately Localized for US Audiences Club, and also happens to be <i>damn fun</i>. Hit the jump for the full story and find out why <i>you must own this game</i>.
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<img src="http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/28518-bbl.jpg" alt="Bargain Bin Laden #1: Seek and Destroy screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/bargain-bin-laden-1-seek-and-destroy-28518.phtml">Read more...</a>